Recent reports have highlighted the stress and expense families can incur when an elderly relative is considered incapable of making decisions about their welfare or financial affairs.

But Helen Dexter, of TBI Solicitors in Barnard Castle, says that by creating a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney or a Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney you can be confident that any decisions are in the hands of someone you've chosen.

Helen, a specialist in wills and probate, is a partner with TBI Solicitors, one of the North East's leading law firms. The firm has offices in Barnard Castle, Wynyard Park, Hartlepool and Stockton.

Helen said: “Without the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), family members will have to apply to the Court of Protection to appoint someone as ‘deputy' for the elderly person. This can prove time-consuming, expensive, and unwelcome when your primary concern is the care of your loved one.”

The Court of Protection is legally required to act for any person with mental incapacity who does not have an LPA giving control for their assets, and decisions about their welfare, to family or friends.

Helen added: “We will advise you on the appointment of someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if required. An LPA can be drawn up at any time whilst you have the capacity to make those decisions, and is then registered with the Office of the Public Guardian to have legal standing.

“Hopefully the powers given in the LPA will never be used, but wouldn't you rather know that, if necessary, those you've chosen will be responsible for your affairs.”

Helen Dexter is also one of the region's best qualified agricultural law specialists. She works alongside fellow solicitors Brian Farrell, Ian Cowan and Pat Henshaw providing a full range of legal services for both private and business clients. TBI Solicitors can not only provide the expertise of their local team of specialists but they can also draw on the resources of three further offices as one of the regions largest law firms. Whatever the problem it's likely TBI will be able to help.

The local heritage of the firm dates back to the late 1700s with the establishment of Watsons Solicitors. TBI acquired Watsons in the mid 1980s, and has continued building on the strong Teesdale heritage, maintaining high-street offices in Barnard Castle, and aiming always to meet the needs of the local community.